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Chico, CA

Frequently asked questions

Chico, CA

Chico is the most populous city in Butte County, California, United States. Located in the Sacramento Valley region of Northern California, the city had a population of 101,475 in the 2020 census, reflecting an increase from 86,187 in the 2010 Census. Chico is the cultural and economic center of the northern Sacramento Valley, as well as the largest city in California north of the capital city of Sacramento. The city is known as a college town, as the home of California State University, Chico, and Bidwell Park, one of the largest urban parks in the world.

The first known inhabitants of the area now known as Chico—a Spanish word meaning "little" were the Mechoopda Maidu Native Americans. The City of Chico was founded in 1860 by John Bidwell, a member of one of the first wagon trains to reach California in 1843. During the American Civil War, Camp Bidwell (named for John Bidwell, by then a brigadier general of the California Militia), was established a mile outside Chico, by Lt. Col. A. E. Hooker with a company of cavalry and two of infantry, on August 26, 1863.

By early 1865 it was being referred to as Camp Chico when a post called Camp Bidwell was established in northeast California, later to be Fort Bidwell. The city was incorporated January 8, 1872. Chico was home to a significant Chinese American community when it was first incorporated, but arsonists burned Chico's Chinatown in February 1886, driving Chinese Americans out of town.

Chico is at the Sacramento Valley's northeast edge, one of the richest agricultural areas in the world. The Sierra Nevada mountains lie to the east and south, with Chico's city limits venturing several miles into the foothills. To the west, the Sacramento River lies 5 miles (8 km) from the city. Chico sits on the Sacramento Valley floor close to the foothills of the Cascade Range to the north and the Sierra Nevada range to the east and south. Big Chico Creek is the demarcation line between the ranges. The city's terrain is generally flat, with increasingly hilly terrain beginning at the eastern city limits.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 27.8 square miles (72 km2), of which 27.7 square miles (72 km2) is land and 0.04% is water. The city is bisected by Bidwell Park, which runs 5 miles (8 km) from the flat city center deep into the foothills. The city is also traversed by two creeks and a flood channel, which feeds the Sacramento River. They are named Big Chico Creek, Little Chico Creek, and Lindo Channel (also known as Sandy Gulch, locally). 

The city has been designated a Tree City USA for 31 years by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Chico is made up of many districts and neighborhoods, including Downtown Chico, the South Campus neighborhood, and Barber.

Chico focuses on health and wellness. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Chico’s Recreation and Community Services Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Planet Fitness, In Motion Fitness, and Anytime Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Chico, such as the South Rim Trail and Yahi Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and the enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Chico, CA are Upper Bidwell Park, Bidwell Mansion, and Gateway Science Museum. 

Population: 102,911 (2024). ZIP code: 95926. Area code: 530. Elevation: 74 m. Area: 27.8 square miles (72 km2).

FAQs

Is Chico, CA a good place to live?

Living in Chico offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents rent their homes. In Chico, there are a lot of coffee shops and parks. Many young professionals live in Chico and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Chico are highly rated.

What is Chico, CA known for?

From the outside, most people who have heard of Chico know it for two things: Chico State and Sierra Nevada Brewery. Founded in 1860 by John and Annie Bidwell and incorporated 12 years later, Chico has long boasted many of the things it still celebrates today. Bid­well Park, a sprawl­ing munic­i­pal park that cov­ers near­ly 3,700 acres of diverse topog­ra­phy, is the town’s nat­ur­al crown jew­el, and over the years has undoubt­ed­ly shaped the locals’ inher­ent love of the outdoors.

What is the nickname for Chico, CA?

Chico is the most populous city in Butte County, California, United States. The nickname, “City of Roses,” appears on the Seal of the City of Chico, California. Home of Sierra Nevada Brewery Co.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Chico

Chico’s Recreation and Community Services Department

Planet Fitness

In Motion Fitness 

Anytime Fitness

South Rim Trail 

Yahi Trail

Upper Bidwell Park

Bidwell Mansion

The Museum of Northern California Art

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